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Crocodile, Nile
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Genus
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Crocodylus
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Species
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niloticus
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Status
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Threatened
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Habitat
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wetlands
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Distribution
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African rivers and lakes south of the Sahara Desert; Africa, Middle East
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Length
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16 feet (4.9 meters)
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Behavior
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Crocodiles swim and feed in the water, but often come out to bask in the sun.
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Diet
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Adults usually eat fish and meat. Some adults even eat baby crocodiles!
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Feeding
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Adults swim slowly towards the bank with only their eyes and noses protruding above the water. They grab animals that come to the water for a drink and then drag them into the river or lake. A crocodile cannot eat an animal in its mouth because it cannot chew! Instead, the crocodile twists their prey in the water until they can rip off chunks of meat small enough to swallow. Crocodiles also swallow stones which help grind up large chunks of food in their stomach.
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Breeding
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Mother crocodiles guard their nests and chase off animals that try to dig up eggs. Croc eggs are buried under loose sand and plant material, which help keep them warm and kide them. The babies make a peeping sound when they havehatched, and the mother crocs dig them up. Mothers will carry babies to the water in their mouths, and stay with their young until the babies can catch their own food. Young crocodiles eat mainly insect larvae and small shellfish. Babies grow about a foot each year. They are fully grown around the age of fifteen.
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Sexual Maturity
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15 years
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Life Span
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as much as 50 years
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Conservation
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Crocodile numbers have fallen greatly since the 1950s. They are shot for their skins, which are made into shoes, purses, belts, and leather coats. Some are killed simply because they pose a threat to people. Crocodiles help keep waters clean by eating dead animals that would pollute lakes and rivers. Their trails along the riverbanks make paths which are frequented by other animals. As predators, they keep herd animals healthy by eating the old and the sick. When crocodiles are shot, the natural food web is disturbed.
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Interesting Facts
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Crocodiles are dangerous and it would be wise to avoid them.
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Images and Video Clips
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Animal Communication Panel
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